(I do not own anything in the HP universe)

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"All those who are of age may fight if they choose to."

If they choose to. To me, there really isn't a choice. I have to stay. I need to. As my house is dismissed, I make eye contact with the few other remaining seventh-and-sixth years.

Anthony Goldstein. (My study buddy of seven years- who brought me back up every time I fell)

Padma Patil. (Whose shoulder was always there to lean on, always providing understanding and comfort)

Mandy Brocklehurst. (My first friend at Hogwarts- the girl who guided me through what was foreign to me, the only muggle born in our dorm)

Terry Boot. (Who could have been a Hufflepuff, he was so loyal)

Michael Corner. (Always making jokes, lightening the mood, and making Ravenclaw Tower feel like home)

Luna Lovegood. (A year below us, but perhaps the one we all looked up to)

And me- Lisa Turpin.

We look at each other, dry-eyed with set jaws. We stare into the faces of those whom, through thick and thin, we have called family for years. We all know the risks. Most likely, at least one of us will not survive the night.

Others start to come by our table: returning students, such as Penelope Clearwater, and Marcus Belby. I see Cho Chang walk in, followed by Roger Davis. They join us at their old table, and we all sit there in silence, drawing strength from each other, and doing what Ravenclaws are known best for- thinking.

I know in my heart that logically, I am making one of the stupidest decisions of my lifetime. Rationally, I am only seventeen- how much damage can I do to fully grown wizards? And heroically throwing myself into battle is a Gryffindor thing to do- Ravenclaws use more sense than this.

That's when it hits me. Outside of Hogwarts, the houses do not- should not- matter. We ought to be defined not by our ideals, but by our choices.

And tonight? I'm choosing to be brave.

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Liked it? Hated it? Couldn't really care less? Please, please let me know! If you like it, I am planning on writing a companion to this soon. So please, review!